The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), published by Dodge Construction Network, edged down 0.4% in August to 282.0 (2000=100), from a downwardly revised 283.0 in July. Commercial planning activity declined 3.0% for the month, while institutional planning remained a bright spot, rising 4.9%.
“Strength in planning momentum remained relatively broad-based in August,” said Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at Dodge Construction Network. “Weaker data center planning predominantly drove the flatter trend, while most other sectors saw an acceleration in planning momentum.”
Commercial planning slowed in August for data centers, retail stores and warehouses, while office buildings, parking garages and hotels gained momentum. Institutional planning strengthened for education, recreation and public buildings, while healthcare activity edged lower following four consecutive months of growth.
Year over year, the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased 4.2% from August 2025. Commercial planning rose 2.3%, while institutional planning climbed 7.8%. However, excluding data centers, the commercial segment would have declined 18.9% from a year earlier, reflecting the significant surge in data center planning activity seen in late 2025.
The DMI is a monthly measure based on the three-month moving value of nonresidential building projects going into planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year to 18 months.
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